Looking Ahead highlights runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are an exceptionally well-bred or high-priced runner early in their career chasing maiden success, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse that has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.
Two promising runners by Ghaiyyath (Ire) and Santono Aladdin (Jpn) are chasing maiden success at Newcastle on Sunday.
Newcastle, Race 3, 2.40pm AEDT, Tooheys Newy Super Maiden Plate, $60,000, 1300m
Contemplates, 3-year-old filly (Ghaiyyath (Ire) x Entertains {Street Cry {Ire}})
The promising Chris Waller-trained Contemplates (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) chases maiden success resuming at Newcastle on Sunday over 1300 metres.
She ran two great races in her last preparation at Wyong and Gosford for her old trainer James Cummings, and has prepared for her resuming run with a smart trial victory at Rosehill on November 18.
Ghaiyyath (Ire) | Standing at Darley
Contemplates is out of Entertains (Street Cry {Ire}), who was a three-time winner on the track and was Group 3 placed on the track. She has left three winners including Egot (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) who has been a dual Group 3 winner, and a three-time Listed winner in France.
Contemplates grandam is the Champion 3-year-old filly Serenade Rose (Stravinsky {USA}) who won both the G1 Victorian Oaks and the G1 Australian Oaks.
In recent years, Entertains has left a 2-year-old named Shadow Play (Palace Pier {GB}), and foaled a Ghaiyyath (Ire) colt in September.
Newcastle, Race 4, 3.20pm AEDT, Tooheys How Do You Feel Maiden Handicap, $42,000, 1500m
Vega Sicilia, 3-year-old gelding (Satono Aladdin (Jpn) x Nancy Spain (NZ) {Charm Spirit {Ire}})
The Richard and Will Freedman-trained Vega Sicilia (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) will debut at Newcastle on Sunday over 1500 metres.
He has had plenty of educational trials and will be ridden by jockey Lee Magorrian from a nice handy gate.
Vega Sicilia as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
The promising gelding is out of Nancy Spain (NZ) (Charm Spirit {NZ}), who was a winner over 1100 metres. His grandam Lucia Bella (Fastnet Rock) was a winner over 1200 metres, and is very well-related being a full sister to the G1 Goodwood Handicap winner Lone Rock (Fastnet Rock).
Nancy Spain, in recent years has left a Tagaloa yearling filly, and foaled an In The Congo colt in October.
Vega Sicilia was purchased by Richard and Will Freedman Stables from the Blue Gum Farm draft for $60,000 from the 2024 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Dr Hook (Too Darn Hot {GB}) ran fifth on debut.
Tigroni (Tiger Of Malay) ran second on debut.
Above Me (Zoustar) didn't run as Yarra Valley was abandoned.
